CNC Machinist (Starship Components) - Level 4/5

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term incentives

Bonus opportunities

Paid time off (3 weeks)

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an experienced CNC Machinist (Starship Components) on the 1st to 2nd shift in Hawthorne, CA. The role emphasizes operating CNC machines, precision set-ups, and maintaining tools and processes to achieve high production rates.

The candidate should have extensive CNC experience and strong blueprint reading and measurement skills. The position offers competitive hourly pay across Level 4 and 5 bands, with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for long-term incentives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 8+ years CNC machining experience required.
• 10+ years of experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC machines and produce flight hardware to meet program production Rate goals.
• Perform precision set-ups on state-of-the-art assets.
• Prioritize daily work to maximize machine uptime and efficiency.
• Manage cutting tools and loads to ensure correct tooling for upcoming programs.
• Deburr hardware and ensure deliveries meet print requirements.
• Operate and maintain calibration devices to verify part conformance.

Skills

CNC Machining

Shop Math

Blueprint Reading

Mechanical Aptitude

Team Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

CNC machines

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

CNC MACHINIST (STARSHIP COMPONENTS) - LEVEL 4/5

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC machines and produce flight hardware needed to achieve program level production rate goals
• Perform precision set-ups of various CNC machines on state‑of‑the-art assets
• Prioritize daily work to ensure high machine uptime across the shop/area of your responsibility
• Manage cutting tools in CNC machines to ensure that machines have the needed cutting tools loaded and measured before they are called in upcoming programs
• Deburr hardware in your work center to contribute to deliveries to our downstream customers
• Operate clean line equipment, laser part marking, and general part finishing requirements
• Operate and effectively use calibrated devices to ensure hardware exiting the machine shop is conforming and meets print requirements
• Perform CNC machine preventative maintenance on a weekly and monthly basis
• Maintain the shop in terms of chip bins, oils, greases, 5S and general upkeep activities
• Remain flexible in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment and support teammates however possible
• Complete work instructions and test plans to document needed data throughout each process

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 8+ years of experience in CNC machining

Preferred Skills And Experience

• 10+ years of experience operating CNC machinery
• Motivation to learn technical aspects of CNC machining
• Ability to read accurately and write clearly
• Perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately
• Experience in shop math, tooling technology, blueprint reading and measurement of parts
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Strong interpersonal skills including, but not limited to, contributing to a team‑oriented environment, balancing team and individual responsibilities

Additional Requirements

• Estimated start times: 1st shift (5:00 AM); 2nd shift (2:30 PM)
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
• Must be able to stand and kneel unassisted
• Must be able to do repetitive movement; bend or twist; use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls; exposure to sounds and distractive noise levels

Compensation And Benefits

Pay range:

• Level 4: $36.00 - $43.00/hour
• Level 5: $41.00 - $51.00/hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

Itar Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Aff…